Blue Jays Activate Addison Barger Before Angels Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 9, 2026 12:02 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday night with a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels in their series opener at Rogers Centre. It was a much-needed exhale for a team that has been searching for consistency all season. At 17-21 and 8.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East, the Blue Jays have not looked like the team that nearly won the World Series last October.

The offense, in particular, has sputtered, ranking among the league’s weakest in run production and operating well below its capabilities with several regulars unavailable. Among those absentees, few have been felt more acutely than Addison Barger.

On April 5, Barger landed awkwardly at first base while trying to beat out a grounder against the Chicago White Sox, injuring both ankles on the same play and exiting the game. He was then placed on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain, and the initial optimism around a short absence faded quickly.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger (47).Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Following a successful rehab assignment, manager John Schneider confirmed that Barger was expected to be activated for the series opener on Friday. However, Barger’s return to action was postponed, with Schneider confirming he’ll “likely” be activated the following day.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, the Blue Jays finally confirmed his reinstatement.

ROSTER MOVES:

INF/OF Addison Barger reinstated from the 10-day IL and will be active today

OF Yohendrick Piñango optioned to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/ZWr4Imeui3
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 9, 2026

Barger returns having gone just 1-for-19 in his eight games before the injury, a slow start that he will be eager to put behind him. Nevertheless, he remains one of Toronto’s most talented and reliable hitters, a reputation he established when he slashed .243/.301/.756 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs across 135 regular season games.

The postseason was where he truly announced himself, and in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Barger went 12-for-25 with a 1.216 OPS, including the first pinch-hit grand slam in Fall Classic history in Game 1.

Saturday’s game pits him against Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz, who enters at 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA and 30 strikeouts across 41.1 innings. Having Barger back in the mix against a right-hander is exactly the kind of matchup Toronto would have circled.

First pitch is set for 3:07 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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